Things to See and Do at Mackinac Island’s Surrey Hill

Where can you forge your own knife, immerse yourself in a butterfly conservatory, visit a carriage museum and try world-famous donuts? Surrey Hill on Mackinac Island, of course!

Surrey Hill is located toward the interior of Mackinac Island past Grand Hotel and beyond the backside of Fort Mackinac. It’s about a 20-minute walk from downtown and is also a hop-off stop along the Mackinac Island Carriage Tours route. It’s a good resting spot if you’re looking for a picnic or some downtime as well as a wonderful place to explore during a rainy day on Mackinac Island. There is just so much packed into this area!

Here’s what you can see and do when you visit Surrey Hill.

Wings of Mackinac Butterfly Conservatory

Walk into a world of natural beauty. Surround yourself with the awe of butterflies and the ever-changing flowers and plants. At Wings of Mackinac Butterfly Conservatory, you begin to understand the important role butterflies play in the livelihood of our natural environment. New butterfly shipments are received weekly from around the world and at any time 75-100 species of butterflies could be in the conservatory. That’s not all – be sure to notice the flowers and plants intentionally planted and cared for each season. You can also view butterfly pupa on display in the Wings of Mackinac emergence cage as well as visit their gift shop for more pollinator related gifts, books and fun!

Why butterflies are such a big deal on Mackinac Island

Mackinac Island’s Surrey Hill neighborhood is home to the Wings of Mackinac Butterfly Conservatory.

Forge a Memory on Mackinac Island

Create a keepsake at Mackinac Island’s Forge a Memory blacksmith shop! This one of a kind experience is fun for the whole family as a blacksmith helps you heat, forge, sand and buff your very own blade. Four different knife options determine the price of the experience and it’s recommended to schedule appointments in advance. If you don’t have an appointment scheduled, you can still stop by Forge a Memory and the experienced employees will help answer questions and share their love of blacksmithing with you!

Things to do on Mackinac Island for history buffs

Surrey Hill on Mackinac Island is home to Forge a Memory where a blacksmith helps you can make your own knife.

Mackinac Island’s Grand Hotel Stables and Carriage Museum

Tour the 8,700-square-foot working stable and carriage museum and learn more about the history of horses on Mackinac Island. Take a self-guided tour of the more than 30 antique carriages from both Grand Hotel and Mackinac Island Carriage Tours. This is also home to the 12 working Grand Hotel horses. Learn about their different jobs and how they’re an instrumental part of life on Mackinac Island. Admission is free and open to the public at the Grand Stables.

7 sights to see on a horse-drawn carriage tour of Mackinac Island

Surrey Hill on Mackinac Island is a horse-drawn carriage tour stop where you can explore a carriage museum.

Surrey Hill Stores & Carriage Museum on Mackinac Island

Take your time and explore the different shops at Surrey Hill. View gifts and souvenirs, enjoy some food, and be sure to try world-famous donuts! There is an additional Surrey Hill Carriage Museum inside where the shops are located and this is also the drop-off and pick-up point for the Surrey Hill leg of the Mackinac Island Carriage Tours.

There’s always something to explore on Mackinac Island and Surrey Hill is one of the hidden gems. Whether you venture there on your own or it’s a stop along your carriage tour, have an experience you can’t get anywhere else when you visit Surrey Hill!

Surrey Hill on Mackinac Island is a horse-drawn carriage tour stop where you can explore a carriage museum.

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